I have to say that it was a great event just for having so many of the Canadian brethren down at once. Including the redoubtable root of the Canadian family tree, Philip "Sled Dog" Gelinas. In total, there were seven of us - three from the East (Toronto and Montreal) and four from the Left coast.
There was quite the spread of experience represented - from 20+ years of Gatherings to first-time fighters and everything in between. And it was really really hard for me to have to sit on the sidelines and be the water boy. I suffered a rupture of my left Achilles tendon at the end of January (while fighting at least - I'd hate to have to say slipping in the bath or stepping off a curb) and I've been stumping around in a "ski boot" for 3 months. Frustrating and yet certainly easier on the body.
But it gave me a chance to watch my guys, and my guro, fight. And fight and fight and fight. A two day event really gives you a chance to get into the rhythm of the fight. Get over the adrenaline dump, past the tension, and start to really focus down. And that's what they did. Everyone. And I was sorely impressed. Well, maybe not as sorely as they were.
And going back to the 4th Street park in Hermosa Beach was awesome - talk about bringing back the old days. I fought there regularly during the 90s, often twice per year, until the space was finally retired to take it to the RAW gym and other locales. It was definitely like going back. It looks only a little different - but it felt the same. Running around on the same old ground, what have I found? The same old fears. Wish you were here.
There were lots of fighters I haven't seen for too long - last time I was down was in 2007 for the big NatGeo filming. Timing and life stuff just hadn't made it possible since then. So despite my ski boot, I had to come down and support Team Sled Dog. And it was great to see old friends like Crafty and Pappy and Lonely - have breakfast at Rocky Cola, shoot the breeze, talk trash. And, yeah, I trained a little on the side. Got some pointers from my favorite fighters. I didn't go away empty handed.
And holy smokes - does Linda every wield a mean machete. She is incredibly fast and .... intricate! I can only describe her blade movements as intricate. Like watching something being woven out of steel (or aluminum in this case) in mid-air. I tried to figure out what she was doing that was so different but I don't think I can quite. I certainly can't reproduce it myself. And were those ever big aluminum trainers. Kudos!
Overall, the aspect of the weekend that struck me most was the intensity - everyone fought with technique, agility, and focus. But the intensity of most of the exchanges was way up there. There were a couple of moments in particular from my own guys that really impressed me - and that's hugely gratifying - when you watch people you train with step up and meet the tremendous intensity of seasoned Gathering veterans ..... and hold their own.
And watching Sled Dog finish with his signature "vampire killer" just puts the icing on the cake, makes everything right for that moment, puts balance back in the world. Cue Purple Haze. Run the credits. This is what makes watching the Gathering so great.
But next time, I get to fight, 'kay?
To all those who fought, and to all of you who will fight again, I salute you. To strength, courage, and brotherhood.
